Unique Phu La ethnic minority wedding ceremony

Phu La ethnic minority people live in the northern mountainous provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, Lao Cai and Ha Giang, with the largest population being in Lao Cai province. In Bac Ha district, Lao Cai province, they still maintain their unique traditional cultural characteristics, including their wedding ceremony.

When a man and a woman fall in love and decide to get married, the man’s family will come to the woman’s to request and discuss about the wedding. During the betrothal ceremony, the man’s family will bring offerings such as 50 litres of wine, 50 kilograms of pork, 120 kilograms of rice, one set of clothes and one set of silver jewelry. Coming to the woman’s home, two matchmakers of the two families will talk. The man’s representative will invite the woman’s relatives to receive the offerings.

The woman’s parents present their daughter six sets of clothes and one set of silver bracelets and footwear, asking her to treat her husband’s family well and live happily. After that, the bride will kneel to thank her ancestors, then she is helped up onto a horse to go to her husband’s home.

From now until early December when farm work is not very busy, Phu La ethnic minority people hold wedding ceremonies for their daughters and sons.

Here are some pictures on Phu La weddings:

The bridegroom’s family brings offerings to the bride’s home.

The bride’s family receives the offerings.

The bride covers her face on the way to her husband’s home.

Bridegroom and bride kneel in front of the bride’s family.

The bride’s representatives help the bride up onto the horse to go to the bridegroom.

The bride on the way to her husband’s home.

Bridegroom’s and bride’s parents shake hands to celebrate the wedding.

Neighbours come to share their happiness with the new couple.